1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham

Who Was Ibn al-Haytham

Ibn al-Haytham was a pioneering scientific thinker who made important contributions to the understanding of vision, optics and light. His methodology of investigation, in particular using experiment to verify theory, shows certain similarities to what later became known as the modern scientific method.

To explore the nature of light and vision, Ibn al-Haytham used a dark chamber he called “Albeit Almuzlim,” translated into Latin as “camera obscura” – the device that forms the basis of photography. He observed that light coming through a tiny hole travelled in straight lines and projected an image onto the opposite wall. Based on such experimentation, Ibn al-Haytham concluded that vision is accomplished by rays coming from external luminous sources and entering the eye, rather than through rays emitted from the eye as was commonly believed.

“1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham”

In January 2015, UNESCO and 1001 Inventions launched “1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham” global educational campaign to celebrate the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL2015) and the scientific legacy of the remarkable 11th century scientist Al-HasanIbn al-Haytham (latinised as Alhazen).

With the life and work of Ibn al-Haytham as an inspiration, “1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham” aims to incite inquisitiveness and curiosity and encourage young people to study and pursue science careers while promoting intercultural dialogue, social cohesion and mutual understanding.

"1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham” will continue to engage with millions of people globally in 2016 and beyond through interactive exhibits, live shows, hands-on workshops, digital content as well as the National Geographic children’s book on Ibn al-Haytham, the short film staring legendary actor Omar Sharif as well as the music album and music video, based on the film, by the internationally acclaimed singer Sami Yusuf.

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Ibn Al-Haytham book in Arabic now available in the UAE

1001 Inventions and the KFAS begin UAE distribution of popular children’s book with National Geographic

Abu Dhabi, 26 April 2016: 1001 Inventions in partnership with the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS) introduced in the UAE the Arabic version of the Children’s Book “Ibn Al-Haytham: The Man Who Discovered How We See” at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF).

New York, 21 April 2017: 1001 Inventions today joined the seventh edition of the STEM Bonanza organised at the New York Academy of Sciences. The annual event aims to inspire students to become the engineers, scientists and STEM leaders of tomorrow.

Thousands engaged through activities themed on an inspirational maker from the Golden Age

Cairo, 8 April 2017: For the second year in a row 1001 Inventions participated at Maker Faire Cairo to engage young people through exciting and educational activities themed on Ibn al-Haytham, considered by many as the ‘Father of Optics’ for his important contributions to the understanding of vision, optics and light.

AMMAN — As part of Jordan’s Year of Science 2017 (JYS), more than 24,000 pupils from public and private schools across the Kingdom visited the Ibn Al Haytham Exhibition, held at Ras Al Ain’s Jordan Museum last month, museum officials said. The exhibition, inaugurated by Education Minister Omar Razzaz in the presence of HRH Princess Sumaya, was organised by the Royal Scientific Society, the Jordan Museum, and 1001 Inventions.

Aswan, 11 March 2017: 1001 Inventions joined Egypt’s National Science Week to celebrate science across the country and honour the 11th century scientist Ibn al-Haytham. The National Science Week, held from March 2-11, attracted thousands of people from all over Egypt including children, families, university students, scientists, researchers, academics and policy makers. 1001 Inventions participated at the Science Week key events organised at Al-Azhar Conference Centre in Cairo, Alexandria University as well as in the city of Aswan.

Amman, 8 March 2017: Her Royal Highness Princess Sumaya bint Al-Hassan, President of the Royal Scientific Society of Jordan, launched at The Jordan Museum ‘1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham’ exhibition as part of a national celebration of the life and work of 11th century pioneering Arab thinker Al-Hassan Ibn al-Haytham.

KFAS and 1001 Inventions present the Arabic book on the inspiring life of Ibn al-Haytham

Cairo, 26 January 2017: As part of its 40th anniversary, the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS) and 1001 Inventions launched today “1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham” show at the Cairo International Book Fair

KFAS and 1001 Inventions present the Arabic book on the inspiring life of Ibn al-Haytham

Cairo, 26 January 2017: As part of its 40th anniversary, the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS) and 1001 Inventions launched today “1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham” show at the Cairo International Book Fair.

KFAS and 1001 Inventions launch new Arabic children’s book on Arab scientist from National Geographic.

Kuwait, 16 November 2016: 1001 Inventions and the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS), in partnership with the National Council for Culture, Art and Literature, organised a special show at the Kuwait International Book Fair to honour 11th century enlightened scientist Ibn al-Haytham. The Show was inaurgurated by His Excellency Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Hamoud Al-Sabah, Minister of Information and Youth Affairs in Kuwait.

UN's Year of Light reports on 1001 Inventions engaging 25 million people

International Year of Light final report presented to UNESCO

Paris, 3 October 2016: The Final Report of the United Nations proclaimed International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL 2015) was presented at a special event at UNESCO’s Headquarters in Paris today. The report declares that 1001 Inventions, a Founding Partner of IYL 2015, engaged more than 25 million people around the world through ‘1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham’ global educational campaign celebrating the achievements of the 11th century pioneer who was a key focus of the International Year of Light.

Abu Dhabi, 27 April 2016: 1001 Inventions introduced at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) a newly published children’s book with National Geographic Kids about 11th century enlightened Arab scientist Ibn al-Haytham. This launch comes as part of a special show organised by 1001 Inventions in partnership with ADIBF to honour Ibn al-Haytham at this year’s edition in celebration of its main theme ‘Reading the Past to Define the Future’.

Dubai, 17 April 2016: 1001 Inventions and Emirates Foundation revealed a new knowledge-based 'House of Wisdom Challenge’ at this year’s annual Think Science Fair taking place from 17 to 19 April at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Cairo, 26 March 2016: 1001 Inventions participated at Maker Faire Cairo to honour the 11th century scientist Ibn al-Haytham while continuing to celebrate the United Nations proclaimed International Year of Light (IYL2015).

United Nations tribute to Ibn Al-Haytham and 1001 Inventions film screening

International Year of Light celebration and tribute to Ibn Al-Haytham held at UN in New York

New York, 2 February 2016: The United Nations hosted today an event to celebrate the International Year of Light (IYL2015) with a special 1001 Inventions tribute to the remarkable 11th century scientist Ibn al-Haytham. The celebration was organised as a side event to the 2016 ECOSOC Youth Forum held at the United Nations headquarters on February 1-2.

HRH Duke of York honours International Year of Light and tribute to Ibn al-Haytham

The Royal Society and 1001 Inventions host London schools

London, 27 January 2016: 1001 Inventions, the Royal Society and the Institute of Physics partnered to organise a full day of educational events and celebrations in London today. Hundreds of people including school children and students gathered at the Royal Society to mark the closure of the 2015 International Year of Light (IYL2015) that included a special tribute to the 11th century scientist Ibn al-Haytham. An evening gala event was honoured with the presence of the Duke of York, HRH Prince Andrew, the UK Patron of the International Year of Light.

Muscat Festival Celebrates year of light with “1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham"

“Ibn Al-Haytham: A Journey of Science from Darkness into Light” to showcase at Al-Amerat Park during Muscat Festival”

The organising committee of the Muscat Festival 2016announced that it will host, from 14 January to 13 February, a new 1001 Inventions production ‘Ibn Al-Haytham: A Journey of Science from Darkness into Light&rsquo celebrating 11th century scientist Al-Hassan Ibn al-Haytham and his work on optics.

National Geographic and 1001 Inventions Publish “Ibn Al-Haytham” Children’s Book

“Ibn al-Haytham: The Man Who Discovered How We See” introduces young readers to 11th century Arabia’s most enlightened scientist

Washington DC, 19th January 2016: National Geographic Kids and 1001 Inventions announced today a new partnership to publish the book “Ibn al-Haytham: The Man Who Discovered How We See” as part of the highly successful National Geographic Kids Readers Series.

"Ibn Al-Haytham: A Journey of Science from Darkness into Light” to showcase at Al-Amerat Park during Muscat Festival"

The organising committee of the Muscat Festival 2016 announced that it will host, from 14 January to 13 February, a new 1001 Inventions production‘Ibn Al-Haytham: A Journey of Science from Darkness into Light’ celebrating 11th century scientist Al-Hassan Ibn al-Haytham and his work on optics.

Film soundtrack produced in partnership with 1001 Inventions to ‘shine’ light on harmony and cohesion

London, 20 December 2015: Sami Yusuf, the internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter and composer, and award-winning producer Ahmed Salim announced today the release of the original motion picture soundtrack for the short film ‘1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham’.

The album supports a global Ibn al-Haytham awareness campaign launched by British organisation 1001 Inventions in partnership with UNESCO that is part of United Nations proclaimed ‘International Year of Light and Light-Based Technologies’ (IYL2015).

Dubai - November 10, 2015: The legacy of renowned Egyptian actor Omar Sharif will be celebrated at the 12th edition of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) this December through the world premiere screening of his last film, ‘1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham’. Sharif, whose passing in July saddened the world of film and beyond, came out of retirement to support the short film from award-winning director and producer Ahmed Salim, which will be screened twice at this year’s DIFF. It forms the final part of the 15-strong line-up of films in the Muhr Gulf Shorts category at the Festival.

The IbnAlHaytham.com educational resources are designed to support teachers within the classroom environment.

IbnAlHaytham.com is part of 1001 Inventions, which is a science and cultural heritage brand that’s loved and trusted by all audiences around the world. Simillar educational properties such as exhibits, books, characters, image library, school materials, activities, workshops, toys and much more educational and enjoyable products are presented in through this website, and more to follow...

Cairo University Celebrates the International Year of Light in Partnership with 1001 Inventions

On 17 November, the Science Heritage Center at Cairo University in collaboration with 1001 Inventions organised a seminar to celebrate International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies 2015 (IYL 2015) and pay tribute to the contributions of Ibn al-Haytham in the field of optics and light.

In Partnership with 1001 Inventions the Library of Alexandria Celebrates the International Year of Light

On 12 November, the Library of Alexandria hosted an International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies 2015 (IYL 2015) celebration. The event was organised in partnership with 1001 Inventions and the Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research and Technology.

Beijing, 17th July, 2015: China’s largest science festival launched today with the new production “1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham” as an anchor exhibition. 11th century Arab scholar Ibn al-Haytham was also unveiled as the official mascot of the 2015 China Science Festival.

Actor Omar Sharif’s final film “1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham” has been dedicated to his legacy.

Legendary Oscar-nominated actor Omar Sharif, who died on Friday 10 July 2015 in a Cairo hospital following a heart attack, still has one more film to be released later this year. British organisation 1001 Inventions is producing a short film that will be the last film for the late actor. Sharif’s leading role in the educational short film “1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham” was his final performance.

China Science Festival to host “1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham”

Beijing, 26th May 2015: The organizing committee of China’s biggest national Science Festival announced today that it will host “1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham”, as an anchor attraction of the 2015 China Science Festival, from 17 July to 2 August 2015 at the Beijing Exhibition Center.

Zedni Ilman, Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Centre, 1 and 2 May 2015
4pm till 10pm on Friday and 12 till 10pm on Saturday. Families in Bahrain are welcomed to join a fun weekend of theatre and science celebrating the 1,000 year anniversary of Ibn Al-Haytham’s work in science. Known to many as the ‘father of optics’, he helped revolutionise experimental science and our understanding of light and vision.

Families and children are welcomed to join a fun weekend event celebrating the 1,000 year anniversary of Ibn Al-Haytham’s work in science. Known to many as the “father of optics”, he helped revolutionise experimental science and our understanding of light and vision.

Trailer for the short film launching later this year: ‘1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham’ The creators of 1001 Inventions and the Library of Secrets bring you a new short film on the work of 11th century scientist Ibn Al-Haytham. “A journey of Science from Darkness into Light”. This trailer is for a short film by producer Ahmed Salim, starring legendary actor Omar Sharif, voice by Khalid Abdalla and music composed by Sami Yusuf. The film will be launched as part of the United Nations proclaimed International Year of Light 2015 and is produced by 1001 Inventions and the King Abdulaziz Center for World culture in partnership with UNESCO and the International Year of Light 2015.

Opening Ceremony 2015 International Year of Light celebrates 11th century scientist Ibn al-Haytham with global campaign

Paris, 19th January 2015: Nobel laureates, international dignitaries, leading scientists and representatives from governments, industry and academia were part of the 2,000 guests at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris that witnessed the launch of a global campaign titled “1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham” to celebrate the scientific achievements of the renowned 11th century scientist Ibn al-Haytham and his work in optics.

Ibn Al-Haytham to be the focus of the International Year of Light 2015

UNESCO and the International Year of Light 2015 partners with 1001 Inventions for 2015 campaign for Ibn Al-Haytham

The International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL2015) is delighted to welcome as Founding Partner the award-winning educational organization 1001 Inventions. British-based 1001 Inventions has the specific mission to raise awareness of the contributions to science, technology and culture from the Golden Age of Muslim Civilization, and will play a key role during IYL2015 to promote and celebrate the 10th century pioneer Ibn Al-Haytham. Ibn Al-Haytham’s seminal work on optics Kitab al-Manazir (The Book of Optics) was written around 1015, and its 1000th anniversary is listed explicitly in the United Nations resolution on IYL2015 as a focal point of celebration.

1000 Years of Arabic Optics to be a focus of the United Nations proclaimed 'International Year of Light' in 2015

Ibn Al-Haytham was a pioneering polymath from Basra (in modern-day Iraq) who lived in the 10th century and is often referred to as the ‘father of modern optics’. He made significant advancements in optics, mathematics and astronomy, and helped lay the foundations of the present day scientific experimental method.